The Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, the organization announced Saturday.
“After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team’s future, we deemed these moves necessary,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a release. “These decisions are never easy from the human side of things and we wish Jimmy, Jay and their families the best.”
This news comes after a “disappointing” end to the 2024 season.
As a defense, Atlanta struggled for much of the season to find consistency rushing the passer. In the first half of the season, the Falcons ranked last in the league with 10 sacks through the first 11 weeks. After the bye, the Falcons did improve in this area, recording 21 sacks in the final six games of the year, which were second-most during that span.
However, that improvement was not enough to change their overall ranking for the season.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Falcons ranked 31st in the league in quarterback pressure rate and total sacks. They tied for last in the league in sack rate. What’s more, Atlanta’s defense allowed an EPA of +0.08 per dropback, which ranked 28th overall, and an EPA of -0.02 per carry, which ranked 22nd. They gave up the ninth-most touchdowns in the league and allowed the 10th-most yards per game.